One may: the impersonal … daiteke
To say "this can be done" without naming anybody, Basque uses the link daiteke — "may be situated": Konpon daiteke — it can be fixed, literally "fixing-itself it may". Inside is the same "ahal" as in the "ahalbidea" of this unit, only hidden in the link. For example: “Konpon daiteke, ez kezkatu” — It can be fixed, do not worry. A rule from the Basque course: worked out on examples, not memorized as a wording.
How it works
To say "this can be done" without naming anybody, Basque uses the link daiteke — "may be situated": Konpon daiteke — it can be fixed, literally "fixing-itself it may". Inside is the same "ahal" as in the "ahalbidea" of this unit, only hidden in the link.
The negation puts ezin outside: Gailu hau ezin daiteke konpondu — this device cannot be fixed. The place stands in front: Telefonoz konpon daiteke — it can be fixed by phone. The formula is impersonal: the repairman, the neighbor and you — everybody is included by default.
Table
| the meaning | the form | the example |
|---|---|---|
| it can be done | … daiteke | Konpon daiteke |
| it cannot be done | ezin daiteke … | Ezin daiteke konpondu |
| it can be done where/with what | place + … daiteke | Telefonoz konpon daiteke |
By example
- Konpon daiteke, ez kezkatuIt can be fixed, do not worry
- Arazoa konpon daiteke telefonozThe problem can be solved by phone
- Gailu hau ezin daiteke konponduThis device cannot be fixed
How the rule settles in your head
A rule is not memorized from an explanation. It is memorized from an attempt to use it and a mistake — that is why the app delivers it mixed in with words, not as a separate lesson: it resurfaces exactly where you forgot it.
Frequently asked
One may: how does it work in Basque?
To say "this can be done" without naming anybody, Basque uses the link daiteke — "may be situated": Konpon daiteke — it can be fixed, literally "fixing-itself it may". Inside is the same "ahal" as in the "ahalbidea" of this unit, only hidden in the link.
What does it look like in an example sentence Basque?
“Konpon daiteke, ez kezkatu” — It can be fixed, do not worry. A rule is easier to test on sentences like this than to memorize as a wording: what surfaces in conversation is the sentence.